Chandannagar

Chandannagar চন্দননগর Chandernagor (French); Chandernagore (English)
city of Kolkata Metropolition Region
Chandannagar Strand Park
Chandannagar
Coordinates: 22.87°N 88.38°E / 22.87; 88.38
Country	India
State	West Bengal
District	Hooghly
Metropolition Region	kolkata
Area
• Total	19 km2 (7 sq mi)
Elevation	9 m (30 ft)
Population (2011)
• Total	166,867
• Density	8,800/km2 (23,000/sq mi)
Languages
• Official	Bengali, English
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	712136, 712137
Telephone code	033
Vehicle registration	WB-
Lok Sabha constituency	Hooghly
Vidhan Sabha constituency	Chandannagar

Chandannagar, formerly spelled as Chandernagore (Bengali: চন্দননগর Chôndônnôgôr, French: Chandernagor), is a Corporation city and former French colony located about 35 kilometers (22 mi) north of Kolkata, in West Bengal, India. It is headquarter of a subdivision of same name in Hooghly District. It is one of the 7 municipal corporations in West Bengal. It is a part of the area covered by Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority. Located on the Hooghly River, the city has been able to maintain a unique identity different from all other cities and abide by her own characteristics. The total area is 19 square kilometers (7.3 sq mi), and had a population of 166,867 at the 2011 Census. Chandannagar is connected to Kolkata by railway, roadways and Hooghly river and it takes about an hour to reach there by car.

Origin of name of Chandannagar

The name Chandannagar is possibly derived from the shape of the bank of the river Ganges which is bent like a half moon (in Bengali, Chand means moon and Nagar implies city).Some local people say that once,the place was the major hub of the trade of Sandal (Bengali-chandan). In some old documents the spelling of Chandannagar was Chandernagore which probably came from Chandra Nagar. To mention, Chandra is the Bengali of Moon.One more reason behind the name is, in Chandernagore there is a temple of Goddess 'Chandi'. So it might come from there. But earlier people knew the place by the name Farasdangaor "Francedonmgi" as it was a French colony (Bengali: Farasi means French, danga means land).

International Adventure Film Archive

Located at GIRI-DOOT Complex. All sorts of adventure films are available for the students.

History

The capture of the position of Chandernagore in 1757 by the Royal Navy.

Chandannagar was established as a French colony in 1673, when the French obtained permission from Ibrahim Khan, the Nawab of Bengal, to establish a trading post on the right bank of the Hughli River. Bengal was then a province of the Mughal Empire. It became a permanent French settlement in 1688, and in 1730 Joseph François Dupleix was appointed governor of the city, during whose administration more than two thousand brick houses were erected in the town and a considerable maritime trade was carried on. For a time, Chandannagar was the main center for European commerce in Bengal.

Chandannagar waterfront c. 1850

In 1756 war broke out between France and Great Britain, and Colonel Robert Clive of the British East India Company and Admiral Charles Watson of the British Navy bombarded and captured Chandannagar on 23 March 1757. The town's fortifications and many houses were demolished thereafter, and Chandannagar's importance as a commercial center was eclipsed by that of Calcutta just downriver. Chandernagore was restored to the French in 1763, but retaken by the British in 1794 in the Napoleonic Wars. The city was returned to France in 1816, along with a 3 sq mi (7.8 km²) enclave of surrounding territory. It was governed as part of French India until 1950, under the political control of the governor-general in Pondicherry. By 1900 the town's former commercial importance was gone, and it was little more than a quiet suburb of Calcutta, with a population of 25,000 (1901). The European town was noted for its clean wide thoroughfares, with many elegant residences along the riverbank.

Chandernagore of Those Days

The total income of the Government was about 5 lakh 25 thousand rupees here in 1933. It was 5 lakh 22 thousand 7 hundred 48 rupees in 1923, in the earlier year it was 4 lakh 73 thousand 95 rupees. As is known in 1814, 32 thousand 1 hundred 54 rupees could be collected as revenue. An annual income of 12 thousand could be had on leasing the whole of Chandernagore in 1732-33. For each serviceable person at this place there was no income tax, house tax, etc. other than annual head tax of eight annas (50p) only. Even in the neighbouring British municipal towns there were taxes on light, water, road etc., but in spite of the availability of those facilities there was no tax here. Even so, the income of the municipality was not small here. The municipal income was 94 thousand 6 hundred 48 rupees in 1823, in the earlier year it was 82 thousand 9 hundred 62 rupees. Within this income 65-70 thousand rupees amounted to the tariff on market, ferryghat, hatchery, land deposit, house rent and imported goods. The municipality had an income of 68 thousand 1 hundred 7 franc.

Had all the income of Chandernagore been spent at this place, health, education, beauty etc. here could have been augmented to a larger extent. But that did not happen. A total amount of Rs. 2,09,759/- only, Rs. 1,73, 577/- only and Rs. 2,00,135/- only were spent respectively in 1921, 22 and 23. The money due to the rest of income was spent in other cities of the French India. Even in earlier times expenses were incurred for other colonies from the income of Chandernagore. The income of the place 46 years back was 1,98,405 franc only, the expenditure being 14,011 franc.

Like the other three French occupied colonies of India, Chandernagore was under Pondicherry. There was only one Governor for the entire French India. He lived in the principal city of Pondicherry, from time to time he would visit the colonies. There was one Administrator under the Governor in each colony. Though there were courts and magistrates here, a separate judge used to come from Pondicherry for session trials. There was a High court in Pondicherry for filing an appeal. The Collectorates, the Education Department, the Housing Department etc. were all under the said department of Pondicherry. One Inspector from France used to come here every year for inspecting all the affairs. The French Consul who lived in Calcutta had no connection with the administration of Chandernagore.

Formerly the government kept a troop of sepoys to help maintenance of peace in the town. It is known that Chandernagore had two divisions of infantry during 1743-45. Under the terms of the treaty it had no alternative than to keep not more than 15 soldiers.

The laws of this place were not separate, laws were the same in regard to all the colonies and they were drawn up by the Minister of the Interior of France. In the councils of Depute and Senateur of France there was one representative elected by the citizens and representatives of French India in each.

Though no Indian got a place in the Councils of Depute and Senateur, the citizens of Chandernagore had the right to be elected to those seats.

A Municipality was created here on August 1 in 1880. Charles Dumaine became the first Mayor. Now a Corporation has been made in Chandernagore.

There was a post here called 'Notaire' like the Registrar of British India. All the deeds as for testament, sale and purchase, debts and dues were registered by him.

Earlier there were eight police stations in all here - one police Commissioner and one constable under him were the main police officials here. The people of Pondicherry instead of Europeans were found in a majority in all departments. The common residents of this place could not at all like such authoritarianism of the people of Pondicherry.

Only a few orders of capital punishment were given by the judicial system here. An instrument called 'guillotine' was used to carry out capital punishment. Decapitation was done by it. Formerly the guilty sentenced to death were taken to re-union. The guillotine instrument was used here for the last time on July 22 in 1895. Two persons of this place named Sk. Abdul Panjari and Hiru Bagdi were sentenced to death for the first time on January 26 in 1883. The pillory was used to detain some drunkard or arrested criminal of the jail. It was an instrument made of wood with holes into which the two feet of the criminal were forcibly entered.

Battle of Chandernagor

Nawab Siraj snatched Calcutta from the hands of the English on June 20 in 1756.

The English were then busy lessening the French suzerainty in the Deccan. But the defeat of Calcutta strongly hurt the self-respect of the English. Admiral Watson and Colonel Clive set off for Calcutta with 12 ships, 900 European soldiers and 1500 sepoys on October 16 in 1756. They reached Calcutta on December 20.

Clive promised to fly the British flag over Chandernagore in a letter written to the Select Committee of London five days before leaving Madras on October 11, 1756.

The English again snatched Calcutta from the Nawab on January 2, 1757. He was disgusted with the English. The English understood that in case of the French joining the Nawab, the reversal of fortune for the English was inevitable. The English plundered Hooghly to terrorise the French and the Nawab. It was January 10. Renault, the French Commander, saw through the devilry of the English. The fall of Chandernagore would mean the fall of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah, which simply would mean the conquest of Bengal by the English. The mercantile community was in favour of the French. But Pondicherry did not come forward to help Renault. Renault tried to bring home to Pondicherry that Chandernagore was the life breath of the French colonies in the East, the money and merchandise of Chandernagore formed the backbone of the French Commerce. So it would be possible to save the colonial interest of the French empire if Chandernagore was saved.

March 9, 1757. Clive's army of marauders came to the north of Belur. Clive's army set up their tents at Srirampur on March 9 and in the field of Champdani on the south of the French Garden on March 10. Shrewd Clive did not make haste. He was waiting for Watson. The naval might of Watson and the land power of Clive — these influenced the plan of Chandernagore battle. Armstrong and 150 soldiers joined Clive's tent on March 11.

Renault sat waiting for the help of the Nawab at Chandernagore then. The wall inside the Fort was one foot and a half wide, ten feet high. There was no ditch on the east. The ditch around the three sides was four feet deep only, even that was dry and filled with squalor. Laldighi was on the west of the Fort.

There was no engineer inside the Fort, yet Renault managed that work. Aiming at the east, i.e., at the river he placed three cannons. The cannons within the Fort wall had no wheels. A small cannon had no carriage. There were 85 European soldiers inside the Fort in 1756. Pondicherry sent 167 sepoys and 61 European soldiers only. Renault's military might was very weak compared to that of Clive. Ranault sank in all five ships filling them with mud in the Ganges in order that the English might not attack Chandernagore along the waterway.

Leaving Calcutta on March 15 Watson's fleet came to reach the former Prussian Garden of Chandernagore. All the warships — Bridgewater, Kingfisher, Tiger, Kent and Salisbury — were then absorbed in the dream of conquering Chandernagore.

Watson sent orders to Renault to vacate the Fort on March 19. Renault sent a proposal for ceasefire in reply in lieu of money. Then Clive and Watson got the scent of pillage.

In the history of any war a traitor has his own place. There was no exception to this in the case of Chandernagore, too. Terona, the French Artillery Commander of Renault, showed Watson the correct direction of the riverway. With no soldiers, no military equipment Renault fought for ten days at a stretch by dint of his own intelligence.

March 23, 1757. The Fort of Orleans fell at 4 P.M. Renault surrendered.

The English got 28,60,000 pound selling all the materials that lay in the French Warehouse. Clive and Watson only knew the amount of money they collected after plundering the properties of the common people of Chandernagore. For the share was divided into two equal parts. The town was lonely then. The cannonballs made bores on the temple of Nandadulal. All the houses of the town and the Fort of Orleans were razed to the ground by the English soldiers. The temple of Nandadulal and the Church stood raising their heads. The Church was adjacent to the convent. That historic door of 1720 still remains fixed to it. These two buildings which silently stood witness to the battle of Chandernagore teaches tolerance to the people of this place even today.

Merger with India

India became independent of Britain in 1947, and in June 1948 the French Government held a plebiscite which found that 97% of Chandannagar's residents wished to become part of India. In May 1950, the French allowed the Indian government to assume de facto control over Chandannagar, officially ceding the city to India on 2 February 1951. De jure transfer took place on 9 June 1952. On 2 October 1954 Chandannagar was integrated into the state of West Bengal.

Places of tourist interest

The Chandan Nagar strand.

French Cemetery.

Sacred Heart church.

thumb

Nandadulal Jiu mandir.

The French Governor's palace presently housing the Chandannagar Museum

Chandannagore Strand

The tree-shaded promenade along the river is about 1 km (0.62 mi) in length and 7 meters (23 ft) in width, and there are many buildings of historical importance along the way. It is a popular spot for local people and tourists alike, who love to stroll along enjoying the breeze and watching the small boats sail by. Along the Strand one can find the Vivekananda Mandir (a meditation centre protruding into the river Ganges).

Chandannagore Museum and Institute (Institut de Chandernagor)

One of the oldest museums of the region. It boasts a collection of French antiques (such as cannons used in Anglo-French war, wooden furniture of 18th century, etc.) which are difficult to find anywhere else in the world. The institute still teaches French through regular classes. Jogendra Nath Sen, resident of Chandannagar who died in France fighting in the World War I. His personal items were sent to his brother in India who later donated them to the Intitut de Chandernagore in Chandannagar.

The Sacred Heart Church of Chandannagar (l'Eglise du Sacré Cœur)

The church is situated near the Strand. It was designed by French Architect Jacques Duchatz. The church was inaugurated by Paul Goethals 27 Jan. 1884. The church stands for over two centuries to mark the beauty of the architecture during the French period — a good place to visit for the historians and tourists alike. The remains of the Church of St. Louis are also an attractive tourist spot.

French Cemetery

The French Cemetery contains 150 tombs and is located on the Grand Trunk Road opposite Lal Dighi (a large lake). Amongst the remarkable people buried there, one can find the tomb of Duplessis, the founding father of French Chandannagar and also the one of pioneering meteorologist Henry "Storm" Piddington, who is mentioned in Amitav Ghosh's novel The Hungry Tide.

The Patal Bari or the underground house

Chandanangar Gate

Constructed in 1937, to mark the Fall of Bastille, the gate has the French Revolution slogan "Liberté, égalité, fraternité (Liberty, equality and fraternity)" etched on it.

The Underground House (Patal-Bari)

The building is another beautiful example of the advancement in the knowledge of architecture and the aesthetic sense of the people of those earlier days. Its lowest floor is submerged in the River Ganges. The Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore frequently visited the place and appreciated a lot about the building. He felt that the place influenced him to a large extent and broadened his intellectual capabilities. He mentioned Patal-bari in many of his famous novels. The famous social reformer Pandit Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar also stayed in the building. The house was owned by the zemindars of nearby Bansberia.

Nandadulal Temple

Nandadulal Temple built in 1740 by Indranarayan Roychoudhury presents an excellent example of ancient Indian sculptures. There are many fascinating temples devoted to Kali, Shiva and other deities which show marks of brilliant craftsmanship and artistic taste.

Residences of famous personalities

The place hosts a galaxy of famous personalities who had strong impact not only on contemporary society but also affected Indian History. The revolutionary leader Rash Behari Bose's paternal house stands at Fatokgorah. Kanailal Datta and the great social reformer Sri Harihar Sett were also natives of Chandannagar. Upendra Nath Bandopadhyay, the founder of Dynik Basumoti a daily Bengali news paper, Mr. Jatindra nath Bandopadhyay,Anthony Firingee( Hensman Anthony) was a Bengali language folk poet of Portuguese origin, arrived in Bengal sometime in early 19th century and subsequently came to settle in Farashdanga, in the town of Chandernagore were among the other renowned personalities of this historic town.

Nritya Gopal Smriti Mandir

Built by Sri Harihar Sett, and donated to the people of Chandannagore. This building still serves as a theatre hall and a library. It was first of its kind in the entire locality. It has one of the largest collections of books in French, English and Bengali in the district.

Bishalakshmi temple

The temple is situated near Brahmin para,Boubazar in the western part of railway station.The history of this ancient temple is not known properly.The deity is worshiped regularly by the local people.

Picnic and amusement park

KMDA, Chuti park and New Digha are three very popular amusement parks situated in the western part of Chandannagar.

Statues infront of the sacred church

At the west of the central point of the strand,there are two opposite facing grounds with two statues,one of the lord Krishna and Arjun in a chariot and the other is of a Muslim person with his camel in an arg (Arabian: sandy desert).

Chandernagore Heritage Museum

Archival Materials on old Chandernagor/Relics of Rabindranath Tagore at Bagbazar Auto Stand.[Archive is open for Research Scholars only]

Radhanath Sikdar Himalayan Museum

Display of mountaineering equipment and history of mountaineering at Ananda Cottage, Bagbazar, Chandannagar

Rash Behari Research Institute

The Rash Behari Research Institute is a research institute located in Chandannagar (former French Colony in India) established in 1975, it includes, a library, a museum and a publishing house.The Rash Behari Basu Research Institute is dedicated to the study of Indian Freedom Movement, highlighting the role of India’s Great Freedom Fighter Rash Behari Basu. The objectives of this Institute : (a) To collect and preserve all relevant intelligence, de-classified documents and manuscripts, photographs and films, records and other objects and materials - relating to the life of Rash Behari Basu (Bose of Nakamuraya). (b) To publish materials dealing with the magical life of Rash Behari Basu and the role of Japanese people. (c) To establish a worldwide network of committed individuals, groups and organisations, sharing this common vision to help propagate the findings in their respective countries. (d) Archival documents Rash Behari Bose from Daito Bunka University, Tokyo. Our present generation should know Bose’s high idealism, his practical statesmanship untainted by counterfeit politics, rare courage and strong faith in India’s destiny, above all his patriotism. Rashbehari Bose (Bose of Nakamuraya) is one of those famous names which was on the lips of Indian people.Very few people are aware that Rash Bihari Bose was instrumental in introducing an authentic India curry to the Japanese. The curry is still very popular in Japan. We salute Japan’s Samurai support towards the freedom movement of India. Address : Ananda Cottage, Bagbazar, Chandannagar, Hooghly,WB,INDIA 712136 (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)

International Adventure Film Archive

All sorts of adventure films are available for research work at International Adventure Film Festival,GIRI-DOOT Complex

Roads and transport

By road

Chandannagore is 37 km (23 mi) by road from Kolkata via G.T.Road or Delhi road. Taxis and private cars in Kolkata are easily available to approach Chandannagore.

By rail

Local trains from Howrah through Howrah Burdwan Eastern Railway main line run very frequently (peak frequency one train every 10 or 12 minutes). Many important express and passenger trains halt here. The distance from Howrah by rail is approximately 33 km (21 mi) and it takes about 50–55 minutes in all stop local trains.

By air

Nearest airport is at Kolkata (Kolkata Airport), which is airlinked with all major Indian and international cities. Chandannagore is only 40 km (25 mi) by road from the airport. Please check Flight Schedules from the airport.

By water

Government of West Bengal (West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation) operates river services across river Hooghly (the Ganges) and also between Chandannagore and Kolkata and Belur.

Heritage and culture

Jagaddhatri Puja is a major socio cultural event in this region.

History

The ancient history of Jagadhatri Puja in Chandannagar is unknown even today. It is believed that Indranarayan Chowdhury introduced the Jagadhatri Puja in Chandannagar in the manners similar to Raja Krishnachandra of Krishnanagore. The time of beginning of Jagadhatri Puja in Krishnanagore was 1762. Indranarayan Choudhury died in 1756. So Indranarayan Choudhury by no means introduced the Jagadhatri puja in Chandannagar. The beginning of Jagadhatri puja in Chandannagar probably dates back earlier than 1750. Indranarayan Choudhury performed the Jagadhatri puja at his own house in Chandannagar, at the time Krishnachandra used to come to borrow money from Indranarayan Choudhury. Perhaps Krishnachandra was attracted to greatness of Jagadhatri at this time. n 1780 Bengal Gazette of James August Hickey was the first newspaper of this country. The newspaper was silent about the Jagaddhatri Puja. Anyway, 'Friends of India' published a report on the community Jagaddhatri Puja in 1820. The date of the community Jagaddhatri Puja in Chandernagore was 1790. In those days Robert Clive called Loxmigonj of Chandernagore the 'Granary of Bengal'. The Jagaddhatri Puja at Chaulpotty (Rice Market) in Loxmigonj is probably the historic example of the ancient community Jagaddhatri Puja. The Jagaddhatri Puja of Chandernagore bridges the past and the present. A spontaneous universal merry making contributes to the success of the Jagaddhatri Puja of Chandernagore.

The fourhanded goddess is carried by the lion every where, an elephant lies at the feet of the lion. The idol has an old fashioned shaping, i.e., the face cutting is of a longish pattern; it has large eyes spread up to the ears and the four hands display conch, discus, shaft and bow respectively. The exterior colour of the goddess is that of the rising sun. The snake is her sacred thread. She is seated on a lotus. The potter's technique of building the idol is commendable indeed. The maximum height of the idol is twenty two feet. One of the main attractions of the Jagaddhatri idol of Chandernagore is the ornamental decoration of the goddess with sola and the beautiful canvas of mats with paintings at the back of the image. The idol of the goddess assumes a unique beauty with the beautiful cloth, veil, ornaments and crown made with pith by the florist artistes of this place and Katoa. The wonder of illumination is after all a primeval glory of Chandernagore .

Rituals and the idol

Traditional Jagaddhatri Idol

In Chandannagar West Bengal the worship of Goddess Jagadhatri is very popular , this is a famous , pooja in the Baghbazar area .

The formal difference between goddess Durga and Jagaddhatri lies in Mayatantra and Jagaddhatri is mentioned with reference to Durga in Krishnananda's Tantrasaar. The rule to perform the special puja of the goddess on the ninth lunar day of the light fortnight in the Bengali month of Kartick has been mentioned in Krityatattarnab by Srinath Acharyachuramoni of the 15-16th century. The four-handed goddess is carried by the lion everywhere, an elephant lies at the feet of the lion. The idol has an old fashioned shaping, i.e., the face cutting is of a longish pattern; it has large eyes spread up to the ears and the four hands display conch, discus, shaft and bow respectively. The snake is her sacred thread. One of the main attractions of Jagaddhatri idol of Chandannagar is the ornamental decoration of the goddess with shola (thermocoal) and beautiful canvas of mats with painting at the back of the image.

Public display

Procession Tableau

The lightgates of Chandan nagar in West Bengal, India. Chandan nagar is famous for its light gates that are used during Durga Pooja and Jagadhatri Pooja.

The number of community pujas in Chandannagar, Bhadreswar and Champdani Municipal areas cross 190. Of these, 132 Puja committees in different localities in Chandannagar and Bhadreswar are affiliated to the Chandannagar Central Jagadhatri Puja Committee. The Central committee renders all possible assistance to its constituents in getting permissions and clearances for holding Puja. The immersion procession is really memorable and enjoyable sight to witness in which lakhs of people participate from far and near. The beautiful decorated tall images loaded on trucks are taken around the city in a procession. Some of the good places to visit for puja pandals are Nutan Telighat, Charmandirtala, Mansatala, Kancharaighat,Bibirhat, Helapukur dhar, Barabazar Sarbojonin, Bagbazar Sarbojonin, Fatakgora, Aadi Maa etc. Jagdhatri pooja in Chandannagar is very popular and people from the neighbouring places of West Bengal visit to see the event.

Education

As far as can be known, one hundred years ago the education system of Chandernagore was mainly confined to the 'pathsalas' (primary schools) of local Gurumahasayas (teachers) and there was no dearth of such pathsalas. Later on gradually the missionaries of the European clergy tried to spread education and a few free schools were also established by them. At first even in these schools Bengali was the only subject of study. Later gradually French language education was started.

It is heard that there was a small school founded by the missionaries for the Bengali boys on the south of the place where there is a Convent now and where there is the house of the Late Chakkanlal Sinha. The school on the south-west corner of Laldighi which comes within hearing was probably existent even one hundred years ago. Bengali and French were freely taught there. The name of a teacher known as Piru Sahib can be had. The former Dupleix College - the first name of which was St. Mary's Institution - was also established by the missionaries. It was established by Father Barthet at least a hundred years before. It was first situated on the north of the road which was known as Rue de Barrabazar before the Rue General Martin. Some people say that the school on the corner of Laldighi had been shifted to that place. The school known as Dupleix College is now under the Government. There is a French Section in it. At the initial stage a lottery was arranged for its improvement. The names of Father Barthet and Father Alfenso are specially worthy of mention. Nandadulal Bose among the local people is known to have helped for its improvement. When this school was had its name as 'St. Mary's Institution' and its sobriquet was French School. The small school of those days gradually developed. Father Barthet was the founder of this school. With the addition of classes one by one when F.A. class was opened it was named Dupleix College. It was called so in the name of famous Dupleix, the erstwhile administrator of Chandernagore, later when the college was founded separately, it came to be known as Dupleix School. Probably from 1901 the school bore the name Dupleix. This school was renamed Kanailal Vidyamandir after the name of the revolutionary Kanailal Dutta, a student of this school, on May 17, 1948 just before the liberation from the French rule. On the first day of the Centenary Celebration of the school the ceremony was inaugurated by Dr. Brajakanta Guha, the Vice Chancellor of Burdwan University. Dr. Guha uncovered the marble bust of Kanailal in the school campus and garlanded it. Later the newly constructed Science Building was opened and an exhibition was inaugurated.

The names of Father Fritz, Father Barthet, Father Alphenso and Brother Hanoriere are specially mentionable in connection with the spread of education on the western model at this place. It is heard that Father Fritz was the first organiser of the beginning of English education here. As in some other places the missionaries here were the founders of western type schools, it can be said. The late Bhudeb Chandra Mukhopadhay, the noted educationist, established a primary school here about one hundred years ago. It is believed that there was a small school founded by the missionaries for the Bengali boys on the south of Chandannagar where there is a convent now. Bengali and French were freely taught there. The former Collège Dupleix was also established by the missionaries. Later Dupleix College was known as École Dupleix from 1901. The school was renamed Kanailal Vidyamandir after the name of the revolutionary Kanailal Dutta, a student of this school, on 17 May 1948 just before the liberation from the French rule. The Centenary ceremony of the school was inaugurated by Dr. Brajakanta Guha, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Burdwan on its first day. It is one of the most renowned schools in the district. The oldest school of Chandannagore is École de jeunes filles ( "Girls School" in French) situated at the strand road beside the Police station. It was the first school established during the French rule in Chandannagore.

Sri Aurobindo Vidyamandir was established in the year 1973 and now ranks among the best boy's school in the town. This school has two sections: one senior section (from grade V to XII) at Hatkhola and one junior section (from grade I to IV) at Chandannagar Strand. Banga Vidyalaya is another well known school of Chandannagar. It was established on Baisakh 20, 1288 (Bengali calendar) with three boys only on roll at a small rented house of Kanailal Khan at Barasat Tematha.

There were two primary schools, one established in 1885 by Durga Charan Rakshit after his own name. The other one was founded by Harihar Sett after his father's name as Nritya Gopal Sett Prathamik Vidyalaya.

Krishna Bhabini Nari Siksha Mandir was established in 1926 by Harihar Sett after his mother's name. This was the first girl's high school in the district.it is the best girls' school in Chandannagar.Besides there is an educational institution established and managed by Prabartak Sangha. There was an arrangement for only girls to stay and receive education here. Convent for girls at Chandannagar. It was the oldest educational institution in the area. Through the years the school has retained its excellent tradition of exemplary dedication which is reflected in its excellent result in ICSE exam. The building which first bore the name St. Joseph Convent has now branded into buildings on every side of the campus. These buildings have been erected to accommodate the sister institutions, St. Anthony's High School, the dispensary and its annexe, St. Mary's school, all under the management of St. Joseph Convent.

On the other side the school Chandannagar Banga Vidyalaya made a mark by becoming the first one to have more than 40 solar panels (aided by central Government) as the complementary energy resource.

Chandernagore Govt.College

List of pre schools

• The Study Home
• Little Laureates
• Kidzee

List of boys' schools

• Chandannagar Banga Vidyalaya (WBBSE, WBCHSE)
• Adarsa Shikshalaya (WBBSE, WBCHSE)
• Kanailal Vidyamandir (English Section)(WBBSE, WBCHSE)
• Kanailal Vidyamandir (French)
• Durga Charan Rakshit Banga Vidyalaya (WBBSE, WBCHSE)
• Shri Aurobindo Vidyamandir (English medium) (WBBSE, WBCHSE)
• Prabartak Vidyarthi Bhaban (WBBSE)
• Ganges Gurukul (Coed)(ICSE)
• Khalisani Vidya Mandir (WBBSE)
• Narua Siksha Niketan (WBBSE)
• Modern Public School, Bhakunda (co ed)
• Chandannagar St. Paul's
• Rishi Aurobindo Bal-Kendram, Vidyalanka (Co-Ed)
• Vivekanand Wisdom Mission (Co-ED)

List of girls' schools

• St. Joseph Convent
• Krishna Bhabini Nari Shiksha Mandir (WBBSE, WBCHSE)
• St. Anthony's High School (WBBSE)
• Lal Bagan Balika Vidyalaya (WBBSE)
• Ushangini Balika Vidyalaya (WBBSE, WBCHSE)
• Prabartak Nari Mandir (WBBSE)
• Indumati Girls High School (WBBSE)
• Khalisani Nari Siksha Mandir (WBBSE)
• Ganges Gurukul (Coed)(ICSE)
• Bholanath Das Balika Vidyalaya
• Modern Public School, Bhakunda (co ed)
• Rishi Aurobindo Bal-Kendram, Vidyalanka (Co-Ed)

List of colleges

• Chandannagar Govt. College (University of Burdwan)
• Khalisani Mahavidyalaya (University of Burdwan)
• Institute of Education (P.G.) for Women, Chandannagar (University of Burdwan)
• Women's Polytechnic College

Art school

The first drawing school of Chandernagore was Sishu Kala Bhavan, established in 1946 by Sri Bankim Bandyopadhyay in Kanailal Vidyamandir (French Section).

"RONG O TULI" established in the 1964 by Sri Sunil Chattopadhayay. This famous Art School now running by Mr. Shuvendu Banerjee at Gondal Para, Satghat, Chandannagore. Ph: 09830169644.

"VIBGYOR ART CLUB OF CHANDANNAGORE" a famous Art & Craft Organization in town . Established in the 2002 by Mr. Shuvendu Banerjee. Successfully organized prestigious "Vibgyor Puja Porikroma" every year along with Art & Craft Exhibition and Workshop every year.

Many talented painters started their career from there. The first international prize in painting was won by Sri Patit Paban Das from Sishu Kala Bhavan in 1956 in West Bengal. Other famous artists were Sri Madhab Ch Basak, Sri Gora Chand Das, Sri Ajit Das, Sri Hari Narayan Das, Shuvendu Banerjee.

"COLOUR'S POINT" was established at Besohata and is now one of the best art schools in the area

List of newspapers and magazines

The temple dedicated to Swami Vivekananda on Strand road

This is a list of publications from Chandannagore in both the French era and modern times:

• Le Petit Bengali: The first French newspaper published from Chandannagore. First publication year 1879.
• Vive la République: Weekly newspaper. First publication ion 1882. Bengali version named Prajabandhu. Published by Bayas Press, 15 Rue General Martin, Chandernagore.
• Dhumketu: Weekly newspaper in Bengali. First published in 1886.
• Chandannagore Prakash: Another weekly newspaper in Bengali. First publication in 1892.
• Pravartak: [Bi-monthly magazine in Bengali. Published by Governoof Chandernagore. First published on 16 January 1916.
• Nabasangha: Weekly magazine in Bengali. First publication in 1920 from Pravartak Publishing House.
• Le Matribhumi: Bi-monthly magazine. First appeared on 8 January 1927.
• Pravartak: Fort-nightly journal in English on constructive nationalism. First published on 19 September 1931.
• Sevak: Weekly Bengali newspaper. First published on 21 March 1932.
• Prajashakti: Bi-monthly magazine. First appeared on 13 January 1937.
• Swadhinata: Fortnighty journal. Publication started from 26 May 1945.
• Jai Hind: Weekly patriotic] newspaper. First published on 13 April 1947.
• Jugantar: Bi-monthly magazine. First appeared on 19 April 1947.
• Maitri: a famous Bengali Sahityo Patrika (Literary Magazine) (Bi-annual) Edited by Shuvendu Banerjee, Since 1995.Editorial Office: P.O. Gondal Para, Stghat, Chandannagore, Dt: Hooghly. India.

Geography

A view of the River Hooghly from the Strand Road

Chandannagar is located at 22.87°N 88.38°E / 22.87; 88.38. It has an average elevation of 10 metres (33 ft).

Chandannagar consisted of mainly three parts Khalisani (west),Gondalpara (south) and Boro Kishanganj (north). presently there are about 30 localities (para) and more than 100 sub-localities.Of them some are Gondalpara, Nutan Telighat, Barasat, Tematha, Hatkhola, Daibokpara, Padripara, Lalbagan, Barabazar, Bagbazar, Fatokgora, Khalisani,Nabagram, Palpara, Urdibazar, Luxmigunj, Panchanantala, Taldanga, Haridradanga etc. The areas of Dinemardanga, Mahadanga etc. are the newest places in the city and were previously colonies.

The Mankundu area was under G.C Khan (after whom the area is named). Later the place was separated from chandannagar and renamed Mankundu. A railway station was later formed in the Howrah main line. The area is however managed by Chandannagore Municipal Corporation.

The geographical boundary of the city is marked by gateways or 'gor's.The G.T.Road runs through the middle of the city. The Delhi road runs marking the western limit of the city. Bajra, Bandhagram etc. are some of the village like areas near the borders of the city.

The city is guarded by Chinsurah in the north, Bhadreshwar in the south, the Hooghly river in the east and Dhaniakhali in the west

Demographics

As per 2011 Census of India Chandannagar had a total population of 166,867 of which 84,009 (50%) were males and 82,858 (50%) were females. Population below 6 years was 11,826. The total number of literates in Chandannagar was 139,005 (89.65% of the population over 6 years).

The following Municipalities and Census Towns in Hooghly district were part of Kolkata Urban Agglomeration in 2011 census: Bansberia (M), Hugli-Chinsurah (M), Bara Khejuria (Out Growth), Shankhanagar (CT), Amodghata (CT), Chak Bansberia (CT), Naldanga (CT), Kodalia (CT), Kulihanda (CT), Simla (CT), Dharmapur (CT), Bhadreswar (M), Champdani (M), Chandannagar (M Corp.), Baidyabati (M), Serampore (M), Rishra (M), Rishra (CT), Bamunari (CT), Dakshin Rajyadharpur (CT), Nabagram Colony (CT), Konnagar (M), Uttarpara Kotrung (M), Raghunathpur (PS-Dankuni) (CT), Kanaipur (CT) and Keota (CT).

As of 2001 India census, Chandannagar had a population of 162,166. Males constituted 52% of the population and females 48% in 2001. Chandannagar has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 82% and female literacy of 74%. 8% of the population is under 6 years of age.

See also

• Municipal Administration in French India

References

• 9. Archival Papers on Merger with India [Chandannagar Heritage Archive]
• 10. Old Photos of Chandannagar [Chandannagar Heritage Archive]
• 11. Old Map [Chandannagar Heritage Archive]

Further reading

• Hill, Samuel Charles (1903). Three Frenchmen in Bengal: The Commercial Ruin of the French Settlements in 1757. Project Gutenberg. e-text #10946. Retrieved 25 April 2007. 
• Strang, Herbert. In Clive's Command: A Story of the Fight for India. Project Gutenburg. e-text #16382. Retrieved 25 April 2007. 
• Sailendra Nath Sen (2012). Chandernagore: From Boundage to Freedom, 1900-1955. Primus Books. ISBN 978-93-80607-23-8. 
• Discover Chandannagar/author - Kalyan Chakrabortty[Published by Chandernagor Heritage]/
• CHANDERNAGOR-Edited by Lipika Ghosh and Kalyan Chakrabortty/Published by Chandernagor Heritage=
• CHANDANNAGORER KATHA/Author - Lipika Ghosh [Published by Chandernagor Heritage]/
• Sankhipta Chandannagar Parichay/Author - Harihar Sett [Published by Chandannagar Pustakagar]
• Ami Tomaderi Rash Behari"/Author-Kalyan Chakrabortty

External links

• 300 years of Chandannagar (1696-1996)
• Geocities site about Chandannagar
• Institut de Chandernagore - official website
• Indian Ministry for External Affairs - 1951 Treaty of Cession
• La présence française à Chandernagor (1688-1950) (French)
• East Meets West by A. Chatterji
• Roy, Pritimadhab (2012). "Chandannagar". In Islam, Sirajul; Jamal, Ahmed A. Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Second ed.). Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. 
• Yahoo! Education page on Chandannagar
• Stereotype photo (poverty etc) Gallery of Chandannagar on TrekEarth
• Chandannagar Information
• Temples of Chandannagar